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Testing and Accountability

California is evolving to a new system of testing and accountability that will weigh eight priorities, including school climate and parent engagement, to judge school progress. An education law, passed in 2013, orders a new generation of computer-based standardized tests, starting with Common Core assessments of English language arts and math in 2015.

September 13, 2017

State adopts plan required by federal education law; here's what's in it

California officials insist Every Student Succeeds Act will not alter the direction of the state's ongoing reforms.

John Fensterwald
September 11, 2017

California's education plan affirms commitment to local control

California's ESSA plan meets the federal government’s requirements while affirming the state's commitment to local control that allows teachers, principals and superintendents to meet the needs of our diverse students.

Michael Kirst
August 29, 2017

Smarter Balanced scores could be delayed two more weeks

Due to inaccurate data, state now anticipates releasing this year's math and reading test results by Sept. 13.

John Fensterwald and Theresa Harrington
August 25, 2017

Understanding the Common Core State Standards in California: A quick guide

California remains strongly committed to Common Core standards in math and English language arts, which focus on critical thinking and problem-solving. The standards have been adopted by more than 40 states.

Theresa Harrington
August 24, 2017

National group sharply criticizes state's plan for Every Student Succeeds Act

The state board says the report failed to look at total effort to help schools and hold them accountable.

John Fensterwald
July 23, 2017

New class leads to big gains in number of girls, minorities taking AP computer science exams

A new AP Computer Science Principles class focuses on the “big ideas” behind computer science.

Carolyn Jones
July 20, 2017

California proposes minimal sanctions for low participation in state tests

A new icon in the school dashboard would signify less than 95 percent participation.

John Fensterwald
July 17, 2017

State board, advocacy groups fundamentally disagree over plan for complying with federal education law

Is the state's bare-bones response to the Every Student Succeeds Act a shrewd tactic or a missed opportunity?

John Fensterwald
July 17, 2017

Upcoming Events

Webinars will delve into formative assessment techniques and the release of a report on how well high schools prepare graduates for college.

Theresa Harrington
July 10, 2017

State board faces deadline, tough decisions on new federal law for improving schools

The proposal to use dashboard colors to identify the lowest-achieving schools is being sharply criticized.

John Fensterwald
July 4, 2017

Oakland expands computer game math program used by 1 million students in California and nationwide

Oakland joins districts in California and across the country that see improvements in math proficiency among students who work with ST Math

Theresa Harrington
June 27, 2017

What can U.S. schools learn from top education systems in other countries?

High quality teaching is key to student success in high-performing countries and school systems, study finds.

Theresa Harrington
June 22, 2017

State officials cool to school districts' request to become 'Innovation Zone'

Now's not the time to expand experimentation with school accountability measures, staff tells CORE Districts.

John Fensterwald
June 7, 2017

Q & A: Poor students and English learners did better on tests but achievement gaps yet to narrow

Standardized test results from 2015 and 2016 show disadvantaged students aren't progressing as quickly as wealthier, English-fluent peers.

Theresa Harrington
May 29, 2017

California students go online in record numbers to take Common Core-aligned tests, with few glitches

Familiarity with tests and increased Internet capabilities helped districts administer assessments, but state system experienced glitches when overloaded.

Theresa Harrington